Yard Waste

The City of Aspen’s Solid Waste Ordinance (PDF) prohibits anyone from throwing away grass and leaves in the trash. This is because organic wastes make up the second largest volume of material at the landfill. If your hauler finds grass and leaves in your trash, they will not pick it up and will leave an audit card instructing you to call the Environmental Health Department.

Properly Dispose of Grass and Leaves

Recycle them at the Rio Grande Recycle Center. This bin is for Aspen residents. Commercial landscapers are not permitted to use this bin even if the material comes from a residence (commercial landscapers and property managers must use the landfill). Only residents may drop off their own grass and leaves. Leaves must be removed from bags and dropped into the bin through a grate to prevent 'contamination' of the bin. Compostable bags may be crumpled up and put in bin.

Take them to the Pitkin County Landfill where they will be composted. Leaves and grass collected in compostable bags may be dropped off, bags and all, prorated at $45 per ton (average residential yard waste is less than 10% of a ton). Remember, Pitkin County residents have a $100 per year credit.

Contact

Please contact Liz O'Connell Chapman at 970-429-1831 with any questions about yard waste.